Visiting Applications and Rules for Visiting Inmates in Maine
Until recently, prison officials thought little importance of visitation. Studies have shown that visitation gives inmates closer ties to the community and others, and leads to an increased chance of successful rehabilitation. One of the problems facing all correctional institutions is the stigma associated with visiting an inmate. When people think of visiting a prison, they often feel discouraged or even overwhelmed at how to go about doing it. We have assembled some the most important things you need to know in order to visit your inmate in Maine.
- Start by filling out a Maine Inmate Visitors Application. Applications must be fully completed and accurate or they will be denied. Return the application to the institution per the directions at the end of the application.
- Your inmate cannot receive visits until they have completed the reception and classification process. Upon completion, they will be placed in a permanent housing unit and will then be eligible for visits.
- All visits are required to be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
- All adult visitors are required to bring a government issued photo ID with them to visit. Acceptable ID's include a driver's license, birth certificate, or state ID.
- Minors must have a visitors application completed on their behalf before they can visit an inmate. They must be accompanied by an immediate family member, parent or guardian who is also approved to visit.
- Minors should bring their birth certificates with them to enter into visitation.
- Inmates will either have contact or non-contact visitation.
- All visitors are searched upon entering the facility and must pass through a metal detector. The facility may utilize canines to help minimize the risk of contraband entering the facility. You car may also be searched once it is on institutional grounds.
- Refusal to be searched will result in the visit being terminated.
Some additional things you should know about visiting an inmate in Maine:
- If you are from out of state and visiting an inmate you may qualify for an extended visit. The decision to allow extended visits is up to the discretion of the Chief Administrative Officer or designee.
- If staff suspects you of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol you will not be allowed to visit.
- Tobacco and their related products (such as lighters) are not allowed to enter the prison, leave these items in your car.
- Do not bring any electronics, including cell phones, cameras, pagers, music devices, into the prison.
Dress Code/Contact Rules for Visitors of Maine Inmates
To ensure your visit goes smoothly, you should read over the following dress code. A dress code is strictly enforced by the staff to ensure the safety and security of the prison. We suggest you always bring a change of clothes and leave them in your car, this way if the staff objects to something you are wearing you can quickly change your clothes.
- Any items that cover the face including hats are not allowed to be worn.
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- Clothing that exposes the midriff, back, shoulders, cleavage, thighs or other excessive skin is not allowed.
- If the clothing is tight such as spandex, leggings, tube tops, tank tops, or is sheer or see-through it cannot be worn.
- Skirts, shorts, and dresses that are above the knee or have a slit above the knee are not allowed.
- Gym shorts, pajamas, and clothing that contains references to drugs/alcohol, sex, violence or contains offensive language or images is prohibited from being worn.
- Any clothing that has revealing holes or is torn/ripped in a way that exposes inappropriate areas of the body is not allowed.
If you are visiting an inmate in Maine and have a question, or have already visited your inmate and would like to share your experience or know of some other useful information, please leave a comment below.